FC St. Pauli on alert: Lyon hunts Eric Smith!

FC St. Pauli on alert: Lyon hunts Eric Smith!

The summer months not only bring the sun, but also numerous rumors about transfers to football. So also with FC St. Pauli , which has been active on the market since returning to the Bundesliga. Eric Smith, the club's defensive player, is currently in the focus of the French club Olympique Lyon.

lyon is known to want to reinforce your own ranks. The defensive is on the agenda, and Smith seems to be a promising option. According to the national sports portal Foot Mercato , the 28-year-old has priority in the planning, but it is remarkable that Lyon has not yet taken a specific step for the player has.

Contract situation and appreciation at St. Pauli

Eric Smith extended his contract with St. Pauli in October 2024, with the term until 2027 or even 2028 that he has more than just a short whereabouts. Last season, Smith was able to secure the club's relegation with 32 league games and decisive performance. This appreciation in the association is contrasting to Lyon's current financial dilemma, since the club has over 500 million euros in debt, which has brought with it a transfer lock and salary limits.

The sporting direction of the Kiezkicker seems to see through the situation clearly and has decided not to comment on any speculations about possible departures. Nevertheless, the financial situation at Lyon ensures a lot of headaches. As Transfer market by May must achieve income of 175 million euros. to avert.

lyon and the search for reinforcements

With the sale of Rayan Cherki to Manchester City, part of these income could already be secured. The transfer made a proud sum of 36.5 million euros. However, the location is tense: Players like Duje Caleta-Car and Warmed Omari, which are on the list of departures, are not taken into account. Nevertheless, Smith remains a hot topic in central defense, but due to the current situation, it could also think of moving to the Bundesliga or England.

In the current situation of the negotiations, there is hardly any signs that Smith St. Pauli leaves promptly. However, the option of a lucrative offer could be deflected by those responsible in Hamburg. However, Smith and his family feel comfortable in Hamburg, which also relativizes the desire to leave the neighborhood.